Council unanimously approved the planning application at its meeting in Rainbow on Wednesday.

Council chief executive Tony Doyle said when complete, the tower would provide broadband internet for up to 230 Jeparit residents.

‘‘This is fantastic news because the lack of appropriate bandwidth really is constraining economic growth in the area,’’ he said.

‘‘NBN Co has indicated construction will start in February but that is not definite.

‘‘I hope it starts soon because broadband is needed in Jeparit.’’

Cr Tony Schneider said he had been contacted by a concerned Jeparit resident, who wanted assurance there was no risk of radiation from the tower.

Mr Doyle said he was aware of the issues raised by the resident.

‘‘NBN Co has put out a lot of material about the effects of NBN material and in general the radiation is many times less than a normal mobile phone tower,’’ he said.

‘‘Electro magnetic radiation is on a low scale and meets all the relevant health standards.’’

Council also discussed a study it did on the effects broadband might have on businesses in the municipality.

‘‘We’re doing seven case studies of businesses across the shire,’’ Mr Doyle said.

‘‘The message we get from businesses is the lack of bandwidth is constraining economic growth and it is making them think twice about investment and expansion.’’

Mr Doyle said the case studies would be sent to federal Minister for Communications Malcolm Turnbull when complete.

Council director of infrastructure services Douglas Gowans reported to council a number of earlier applications by NBN Co to install a communications tower at Jeparit were rejected.

Mr Gowans said council had received numerous complaints to previous applications from Jeparit residents, who were concerned the tower would ruin the scenery at Jeparit.

He said no objections were lodged to this planning application and council was satisfied the tower would not effect the town’s scenery.